LUXURY TAILOR MADE TRAVEL

Tailor-Made Vietnam: North to South

8 days, 5-star from $5,895

Discover Vietnam on this in-depth journey that will take you from big cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to charming small towns and farming communities. Explore the country’s tumultuous past through war-time tunnels and survivor stories, and soak up the beautiful landscapes of Ha Long Bay from a luxury cruise. From rickshaw rides to kayaking through paradisian landscapes, from the best local flavours to having a go recreating Vietnam’s most iconic dishes, prepare for a journey of a lifetime to one of the most captivating countries in Southeast Asia!

Vietnam at a Glance

Vietnam is one of the most alluring destinations in Southeast Asia. From mountainous landscapes in the north to palm-fringed beaches in the south, there’s much to discover in the country stretching more than 1500 kilometres. From the French colonial times to the disastrous war lasting 20 years, the country’s history is both fascinating and perplexing. Despite the tumultuous past, Vietnam retains its rich cultural identity, which is an absolute delight to discover. On top of that, Vietnam is often lauded as one of the best culinary destinations in Southeast Asia. When it comes to being LGBT-friendly, Vietnam is relatively hassle-free. Holding hands among people of the same gender is common and shouldn’t turn any heads, but be mindful of other public displays of affection. The best time to visit is between March and June when the weather is the most pleasant (the rainfall season spans June through November).

Photo: ThuyHaBich

Photo: Quang Nguyen Vinh

8-day travel itinerary

DAY 1

Arrive in Hanoi

Arrive in the capital city Hanoi. Fast-track through customs and immigration and meet with your driver, who will transfer you to your hotel.

DAY 2

Hanoi | Ho Chi Minh’s House

Begin your day by visiting the stilted house of Ho Chi Minh, the famous Vietnam independence leader. Then make a stop at the One Pillar Pagoda and the Confucian Temple of Literature, the first university in Vietnam. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and then continue to Hoa Lo Prison, known as the “Hanoi Hilton”, once used to isolate prisoners of war. In the late afternoon, go on a rickshaw ride through the busy and fascinating Old Quarter, full of time-honoured streets and buildings. Return to your hotel for an evening at leisure.

DAY 3

Ha Long Bay | Luxury Cruise

Journey to Ha Long Bay for a luxurious overnight cruise on Ha Long Bay, famous for its dramatic beauty and the otherworldly limestone karsts rising high above the emerald waters. Sail past a colonial lighthouse, and visit Cat Ba Island, where you'll explore a quaint valley village. In the late afternoon, return to the boat, where you’ll join a cooking masterclass hosted by a local chef teaching you to make a Vietnamese dish. Enjoy a relaxing evening in your room or on the deck as the warm twilight breeze washes over the boat as it anchors for the night.

DAY 4

Ha Long Bay & Hoi An | Time to Unwind

Start your day with light morning refreshments and breakfast in the dining room. Before that, you can join an optional tai chi session on the sundeck. Later, visit Frog Lake, a serene corner of Ha Long Bay, where you’ll kayak through the untouched tropical oasis. Later in the afternoon, return to Hanoi to board a flight to Danang, from where you’ll journey to Hoi An and check in to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

DAY 5

Hoi An | Charming Old Town

Visit Tra Que Vegetable Village and stop at a local home where you’ll be treated to freshly squeezed fruit juice. Then explore the surrounding gardens and observe the traditional farming techniques used to grow local produce. In the afternoon, return to Hoi An to embark on a walking tour, which includes the Old House of Tan Ky, Fujian Assembly Hall, the centuries-old Japanese bridge, and more.

DAY 6

Ho Chi Minh City | Dizzying Metropolis

After a relaxing morning, a driver will take you to the airport to board a flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

DAY 7

Ho Chi Minh City | Cu Chi Tunnels

In the morning, visit Cu Chi, not far from Ho Chi Minh City. It’s a place famous for the immense network of Viet Cong tunnels used during the Vietnam War. After lunch in Ho Chi Minh City, visit the Reunification Palace and the Historical Museum – both places reveal the city's fascinating past. Before an evening at leisure, visit the one-of-a-kind Caodaism temple Cao Dai, famous for its unique architecture and intricate decor.

DAY 8

Depart Ho Chi Minh City

Get an early morning start to go on a rickshaw ride through the city, seeing how locals begin their day. Make a stop at Tao Dan Park and visit the famous bird cafe, where locals showcase their birds, and beautiful birdsong fills the air. Then continue with a visit to the Venerable Thich Quảng Đức Monument, which honours the Buddhist monk who sacrificed himself in protest against the government in 1963 to achieve religious equality. Before transferring to the airport for your departure flight, enjoy the best pho in the city – the perfect farewell to Vietnam!

Additional recommended experiences

Add one of these optional experiences to enhance your trip! Go on comprehensive culinary journeys through Hanoi and Hoi An, discovering the best local and regional dishes and new flavours along the way. Or jump on a Vespa and dive deep into the best food and nightlife in Ho Chi Minh City. Explore tropical Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta region or extend your journey to neighbouring Cambodia and Laos for a more thorough Southeast Asia experience.

Let Us Book Your Luxury Vietnam Vacation

Get in touch if you would like us to arrange your Vietnam trip. Did you have a different Vietnam itinerary in mind? No problem. We tailor every trip to your individual travel style and budget so just let us know what you’re looking for.